Port Blair, Nov 11: An exposure visit of tribal farmers of Small Lapathy and Tamaloo village of Car Nicobar was organized by Central agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair from 14.11.2013 to 18.11.2013 under Tribal Sub Plan.
A total of 24 farmers, 18 from Small Lapathy and 6 from Tamaloo village led by Mr. Marcus Barnabas, 2nd Headman of Small Lapathy village participated in the exposure visit.
During the 5 day visit, the farmers were taken to the livestock farm complex of Animal Science Division of CARI, Port Blair, Garacharma farm complex, livestock farm complex of Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, A & N Administration, and visit to the farmer’s field at Port Mourt.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, CARI and Nodal Officer, Tribal Sub Plan. In his address, he thanked the Tribal Council, Car Nicobar and Captain of the Small Lapathy and Tamaloo village for deputing their farmers to CARI on exposure visit. He urged the farmers to take active participation in learning the Scientific technology for goat and poultry farming. Stressing on the importance of the exposure visit he informed that under the TSP the Institute has initiated various training programme for capacity building, visit to CARI and other reputed Institutes and distribution of inputs/implements for the benefit of the tribal community.
Dr. A. Kundu, HoD, Animal Science Division and the Course Director gave details about the exposure visit and highlighted the importance and conservation of the precious Nicoabri fowl, Teresa goat and Nicoabri pig which are mainly found in the Nicobar groups of islands though in declining phase. Farmers were also told about the importance of maintaining these islands disease free.
Mr. Marcus Barnabas, 2nd Headman of Small Lapathy village thanked Director, CARI for organizing such exposure visit for the benefit of the tribal community of Car Nicobar. He urged all the trainees to utilize this opportunity in very effective manner to learn scientific and newer technique for rearing of goat, poultry and operation of incubator and Hatcher.
Dr. Jai Sunder, Course Coordinator explained in detail about the five days programme. He informed that under the TSP, two low cost goat shed will be constructed in the Small Lapathy village as a demonstration farm and goats will also be distributed to the farmers for rearing.
Dr. T. Sujatha, Course Coordinator spoken on the importance of the Nicobari fowl and operation of Hatchery. She informed that three low cost poultry shed and one mini Hatchery of 300 egg capacity will be installed in the Tamaloo village as a demonstration unit.
During the exposure visit, farmers were taken to the livestock farm complex, Garacharma, Integrated Farming System model farm, Library, Museum and video film on various technologies such as goatery, piggery, poultry, IFS etc were showed and explained them about the activities in details.
Dr. Vijay Kumar, SVO and Dr. Sughriv Singh, SVO, DAH&VS, A & N Administration explained in details about the operation of Hatcher, setting of eggs, cleaning of eggs, scientific management of poultry, cattle, goat and fodder farm during the visit to Livestock farm Complex, Dollygunj.
Dr. M.S.Kundu, demonstrated the pond based integrated farming system with combination of pig, poultry and plantation crops, tuber crops, vegetable corps model established at Garacharma farm. Dr. Abhay Singh, SMS, KVK coordinated the visit to Mr. Sohan Prasad, a progressive and successful goat and poultry farmer at Port Mourt. Dr. S.K. Zamir Ahmed, Sr. Scientist (Agril. Extn.) explained about the various schemes for the benefit of the farmers and taught about the adoption of technologies option for better livelihood and income generation.
The 5 days exposure visit came to an end with the valedictory function organized on 18th November 2013 at CARI, Port Blair. In the valedictory function farmers expressed their gratitude and satisfaction for well organizing the exposure visit and shared their views about the information and the newer technologies learned during the visit. Mr., Marcus Barnabas thanked Director, CARI for overall arrangement and expressed his sincere gratitude and assured for wholehearted cooperation in future also for successful implementation of the Tribal Sub Plan.
Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, CARI and Nodal Officer of the TSP congratulated all the farmers for successful completion of the exposure visit.
Dr. N.C. Choudhury, Sr. Technical Officer, KVK coordinated the function while vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. T. Sujatha.
